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Friday, July 29, 2011

Friday Open Thread

Hi readers! I've been so busy I can barely think, with all 25 garments for my book needing to be completed in the next couple weeks. Should we have an open thread in lieu of a post where I say actual things?

Possible topics include:

The Project Runway season premiere! Did you watch? Can I just say how much I hate the promotional poster for this season? (See below.) What is up with that? Was the concept thought up by a gaggle of 12-year-old boys? The real kicker is the writing on her arm that looks like it was finger-painted on with shoe polish. Why is it there? Why? Blerg.

Gussets. I'm obsessed with underarm gussets right now. They add such lovely shaping to kimono sleeves. Have you sewn them before? Any tips?

What are you working on right now?

Your advice for me on keeping my sanity. I need help, readers. I don't think I can keep this blog running on my own for the next month with my book project under this massive deadline. What would you like to see happen here if I can't devote as much time as usual to blogging? Guest posts? Really short posts from me? Open threads like this one?

Submissions for ideas on a guest post you'd like to write here. Help a desperate woman out!

115 comments:

i did notice alot more advertising for the new season compared to previous seasons.. i think PR finally came to terms with the loss in viewers and decided to sex it up a bit and get some attention! lol thats hilarious.

i think we're all here because we not only enjoy the info and tutorials but also the WRITING! i know i do. so anything you do would be great.

I'm sorry you are so overwhelmed. Perhaps you can do guest posts. I loved Jonathan's post and would love to hear more from him if he has time. I'm sure you know others like him - that would be fun! Good luck with the book.

I love sewing underarm gussets, I think it is just because they look so difficult but they are actually so easy! If I were to share a tip it would be to cut squares from 2" wide bias tape even if the fabric of the garment is light weight. I like having a contrasting fabric to help outline where I want to be stitching.

And I missed PR last night because they were not broadcasting here in Canada. It's okay though, I'm still in dismay how Season 8 played out, not only the final judgement. So I'm fighting the urge to watch it when it comes. I feel like a PR junkie.

I recently blogged about my experiences with kimono sleeve gussets:http://didyoumakethat.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/kimono-sleeve-gussets/I'll happily guest post if it helps! Good luck with everything. An intense period that, thankfully, will come to an end. And it will all be worth it!

Sorry to hear it's an intense period--but I know we are all looking forward to the book coming out ;-) Like Karen, I would happily guest post on some aspect of vintage sewing if that would help you out :) xoxoxo

I found the season premier of Project Runway yesterday accidentally. I didn't know it was going to be on so it was a treat to find it. I never saw the promotional materials, but if I looked like Heidi, you could write on my arm with shoe polish, I wouldn't care.

ooohhh..I just had another idea...for those that are interested in guest posting..you could give them a week's notice and have them each make up something related to your stitch along (i.e. 5 people try out tucks on an outfit and you showcase that through the week with links through to the stitch along, etc.)

Yep! And how cute was Josh--the bald one? You know, the straight Mormon guy! I'm not sure what to think of the poster, either. But I'm looking forward to the new season, and hopefully, the judges won't be smoking something like they were last year when Gretchen won.

Underarm gussets... Be sure to reinforce them at the stress points the same way you do raglan sleeves so that they don't rip out.

As for keeping your sanity, short blog would be great, or even fewer blogs, if you have to. I don't so much care for guest posts. They never seem to have the same quality as the blog I chose to follow.

i like hearing your voice...even if it's harried, frazzled and admittedly overwhelmed. it helps me realize that i'm not the only one crazy juggling things...but, guest posts are fun as well as linkies to other things you love.

i like hearing your voice...even if it's harried, frazzled and admittedly overwhelmed. it helps me realize that i'm not the only one crazy juggling things...but, guest posts are fun as well as linkies to other things you love.

I think guest posts are the way to go. These are some thoughts I have:

1 - Ask Jeff to do a post on living with a sewer (how does he really feel about piles of fabric around?) I think a lot of us have significant others who want to be supportive of our art, but they just don't know how2 - How to properly clean a sewing machine. Maybe ask someone at the sewing school?3 - Have one of the editors who worked on your online course and talk about the experience of filming.4 - Maybe do a "reader's week" where you ask various readers of the blog to contribute a post on something they think is interesting.

I think all your regular readers can appreciate how busy you are right now and get over less frequent posts. I'd say go shorter, maybe just provide a few quick thoughts or links that you like. guest posts could be really nice, too as you have such a wide audience of bloggers. my suggestion for sanity is 5 min a day of yoga (if that is all you can fit in). a simple breathing exercise followed by downward dog and then more deep breaths can help ease tension you're holding in your body and deliver oxygen to your system. you could get a forum of how your readers keep their sanity while busy, too

Yeah I don't know what's going on with P-Run! That poster is ridiculous. I've started to lose interest over the past couple seasons - but I hate that because it is one of the few (or only?) show geared straight towards my interest in design, sewing and construction. Egh!

As for the blog - you do whatever it is you need to do! Fewer posts, shorter posts, guest posts, no posts! We'll be here when you catch your breath. And your book will be well worth it! I second some of the others who suggested another post from your sample-maker friend! I LOVED that post - would love to hear more from the industrial side of things. Either way, don't overwork yourself!

I'm pretty psyched about this season of PR. Last night was a lot of fun and it looks like they're bringing back crack-tastic challenges which always make for the best creative results (Korto's seat belt coat!).

Short posts where you throw out semi-controversial questions and readers mud wrestle in the comments. :D

Gertie, PLEASE do whatever is necessary to get through the intensely busy time. I am grateful for anything you can share. Even the healthiest person can be done in by stress. Whatever you can do is fine by me. To quote the Teletubbies:Biiiiiig hug!

Take a deep breath. Find your happy place. Know that even if you posted once a week for a few months, your readers would wait patiently for each and every post. That's the beauty of blog readers. Also, if your brain is overwhelmed with all that you have to do for your book, I think it's fair game to write about that. I know I'm curious what all goes into the making of a book. Even if it's something mundane like, "I spent all day reading a single page over and over only to take out a single comma." The process is still intriguing. Or, it could be as simple as, "You guys, I'm so excited for this book!" That'll get us excited for it as well. I don't know what the rules are for what you can and can't show, but an artistically shot photo hinting at all of your many book projects would also be fun to see and quick to put together. Anyway, have a great weekend. Filled with many smiles and lots of laughter and deep breaths.

Oh, I'm the worst at handling stress -- take my advice as "do as I say, not as I do!" Eat well, take breaks, don't be a perfectionist, exercise, etc. Give yourself a break -- shorter posts, guest posts and no posts are OK! We'll be here! Maybe you can re-post some earlier posts with additional info -- what you would have changed re: construction now that you have more knowledge, how the dress held up to real life demands, that sort of thing.

And yes, I think the PR poster is ridiculous! It's a show about CLOTHES! I taped the show and haven't watched it yet...looking forward to it!

I have been reading your blog for ages without posting, because I'm an aspiring sewist who is anxious about cutting fabric so have not made anything since I worked in a fabric store years ago.

One thing I've learned the hard way over the years is that one person can only do so much. I'm thirsty for anythign I can get from you becuase I love your voice, but I am willing to wait for posts, well not infinately -but for quite a while, in support of your book.

I agree that snippets from you would be great, but I would completely understand if you need to make other arrangements.

Good luck, I'll be thinking of you and wishing you well. And buying your book when you're done!

I'm sorry you're stressed! But I'm so excited for your book that even if you didn't update until you were done I wouldn't care.

Well I really liked your Daily Dress post where you suggested a pattern. Those didn't seem like it would take too much work? Or maybe I'm wrong. But I loved those. I love seeing a dress and seeing the pattern to make it with. So neat.

Guest post are good too.

I'm still waiting on my bombshell dress fabric so I haven't been doing much sewing wise. Maybe I'll just make a "bombshell shirt" in the mean time.

Try not to worry. Take the time you need to sew items for your book. Guest blog posts, short "I'm still here" posts and open threads are fine. I don't think anyone is going to stop reading your blog because you're extremely busy for a month. We all have busy lives and understand completely.

I would like to see an article on what your favorite wardrobe pieces are, what you need to sew or buy that would round out your wardrobe, and what you hate to wear, but still have hanging around your closet for whatever reason.

What about some posts that rely on reader submissions? For example, I know you posted about organizing your sewing room recently, and I would love to see what else is out there for organizational ideas. Readers could send in pics and short descriptions, and you could compile them into a post.

Guest posts would be great, too. I'd love to discover some more bloggers that write about sewing/fashion/body image/politics out there

Just post the occasional "I'm still alive" and have some guest posters. No need to post something every day. You could also repost some of your favorite postings from the past - a kind of summer rerun interlude.

I've been thinking about making some short sleeved peasant blouses and although I still have my pattern from the last time I made one (in 1994) I've been eyeing a vintage pattern because it has an underarm gusset and I'm intrigued.

Sorry to hear you are so overwhelmed but it's for such great reasons! So for that I am happy for you.

I would love to hear guest posts from women who have found a way to make sewing their (possibly partial) source of income. Maybe a shop on etsy, maybe selling locally, or teaching - what worked, what didn't, tips, ideas, what efforts are worthwhile, what credentials do you think you need, how long did it take, the story... Especially if possible from women outside of the USA (no offense! But the USA is just so big... And I live in a country the size of NJ...)

Another guest post I would LOVE is book recommendations - a review of the really great sewing-related books the writer owns and why she loves them. Things you really use and learned from, not just like to look at the pictures.

Another post I'd love is about fitting - tips and tricks, problems that people faced while sewing and how they overcame them.

Another post I'd love is about how to pad a dress form, or a link to a good proofed tutorial. I once tried to make one and it just came out all wrong.

Maybe you could write us in bits and pieces what it's really like to write the book, what does it demand of you, what you expected and what was a surprise in the process.

I could just go on and on... I'm sure there are a lot of amazing topics you could host. And if you write less frequently, like once-twice a week, or less for a while, that would be totally understandable.

I did think that the PR poster was rather tasteless. But I did watch the premiere-- I'm rooting for Anya (even though she doesn't know how to sew well) because I actually know someone who went to school with her! (I have a friend from Trinidad.)

As for keeping your sanity, I vote you take whatever time off that you need to. The quality of the garments you have in the book will be so much better, and you'll be much better off mentally! And guest posts could be fun!

Ugh I am with you entirely on the PR promotions with naked Heidi. Really? Why would they do that? WHY? Its general target demographic isn't good enough and they feel they need to have more straight males viewing?

Anyway, I think you should just take as much time as you need off from the blog entirely. Guest posts can be good but I'm sure they're a lot of work to set up anyway, so if I can't get regular authentic doses of Gertie, I'd rather you take the time to get the book out! So excited for that. One thing could be just a weekly post sharing links to things you've found interesting across the week, but don't search for them, just collect them up as you surf the internet (if you still have time for that.

Guest posts would be great. Since you can't post anything you sew right now because you are saving most of it for the book, you should solicit posts from others about their retro, repro, or vintage inspired garments. I'm sure any number of sewists would love to have their work featured on your blog and if they have a blog, you could just post a picture of their garment here and then redirect to them, easy-peasy as Jamie Oliver likes to say.

You could also solicit posts from people who want to talk about how to construct current vintage inspired fashions from modern patterns or modern fashion from vintage patterns. I love seeing how fashion continually reinterprets itself and I think that's a theme of your blog others could contribute to.

I think a "weekly dress" open thread would be interesting. You could ask people to post a link to their favorite fashion moment/dress from the week.

I agree that we love your writing and your style, so don't farm too much of the meaty stuff out to other people, keep filtering everything through your own gertiesque sensibility =) Maybe do one meaty post a week, do your Friday round up to keep us up to date, and then a bunch of other light posts/links and guest sewist posts that you solicit.

I haven't read the other comments, so I'm sure there are tons of good ones. We love you no matter what you do.

I love gussets too -- but for me it's because I can't seem to figure out how to fix my armscye problems and I end up using them as a fix. I really wish I could find out how to do them properly AND how to fix my armscyes.

I love the idea of having your readers guest blog a bit. Your other readers are so smart! I learn so much from them. I am very much a 'returning' sewist and have just organized the heck out of my bedroom to make it a sewing studio as well.

I would be happy to write and post some pics if others would like to hear about it.

The promo photo is awful. Even after however many kids and however much photoshopping, Hedi looks fantastic... but I don't want the show for her. Really, you could replace her with anyone with a foreign accent and it'd still work. Or even Michael Khors. Not Nina; I don't care for her. Anyway, the show is about Tim and the Contestants. Heidi's just the master of ceremonies of sorts.

I caught the second half of the new episode! (I was delayed and my DVR didn't kick in. Sigh.)

I am SO looking forward to your book! I don't even have much idea about what it's about or what it will contain, but I want it because it's yours :)

As for content. Could could just do a bit of filler with a "flashback Friday" of some sorts - repost one of your favorite posts. I've only been following your blog for a few months so old content is still new to me :)

I think it would be okay to do "flashback friday" as someone suggested and let it ride for the weekends, as I'm sure you're busy with Jeff and all the other stuff you've got going on the weekends. Monday thru Thursday...hmmm? Throw out some questions for discussion about the Project Runway espisode ANDwhy haven't you ever auditioned for Project Runway? You should do it!! Your readers aren't going anywhere...we love you Gertie! :)

Guest posts are cool. I agree with craftnook - your friend, Jonathan, is v-e-r-y interesting! I'll bet he's just full of things we'd love to hear. He seems like a riot; that pic of him mugging for the camera was adorable.

I'm so impressed by the fact that you are doing a book! I can't wait for it to come out. I love reading this blog and seeing all of the things that you make. Concentrate on your book, its important, and just do the best you can for the blog. As other people have said, Jonathon's post was really interesting, so call in some favours and get people to post for you.

Hey Gertie! Long time reader, first time commenting. I think guest posts are the way to go. I'd quite like to write a piece on starting learning how to sew and blogging about it as a guy if you're interested

Wow Gertie! You are pretty amazing! I have your Blog marked as my homepage, and even then - being a self employed lady myself, I can't read it most of the time! You are writing a book for heavens sake! The Blog will survive with less maintenance and all your fans will be here at the end. If you don't make time for the things you need it will never happen. Throw up a picture of the cat every now and then and everyone will be happy! Good luck! don't go crazy!Erin

oh, arm gussets were in this issue of threads this season. how odd, I was looking at trying it. It's an interesting idea. and project runway is a horrible show anyways. They make for the most part ugly clothes. I just can't get behind runway fashions that have no basis in the real world.

Guests posts are would be a nice short term option. But don't forget, we love your writings, so don't go giving your blog away to someone else. :) Good luck on your deadlines, but don't let them kill you (pun intended).BTW I'm one of those people that refuse to pay for TV so we rely on Hulu for our TV fix. But I'm not having any luck finding Project Runway on the internet. Anyone out there know where I can find it?

Grertie, I really look forward to your posts however you shouldn't worry about not posting as much. Take care of yourself first and the rest will fall into place. Can't wait to get my hands on your new book!

I would like to see a post (small post ;)) about dress forms since I'm in the market for one.

1. I forgot to watch PR last night but I'm going to check out TLo next and see what they had to say.2. Good luck with all the sewing for your book. Can't wait to see it when it comes out.3. I'm currently working on a couple of comfy summer dresses (t-shirt knit) and also have a couple of tops going too.4. Never tried gussets in sewing though I did knit a man's sweater yrs ago that had gussets.5. Guest posts would be fun.Happy sewing.

Hi. Apropos of nothing, but I need to pick the collective brains of the group. A friend of mine is making her own wedding dress and she wants to use stretch taffeta. Great idea, that. The thing is, what to use for a lining? Make a separate chemise-y thing out of something stretchy too, or line it with... what? Any recommendations would be super awesome. Thanks!

I was starting to think you were an actual superhuman being, with all the projects you've got going at once. I think your loyal followers would be entirely okay with the occasional skipped post, or a simple photo of a project in process, or a few guest posts. You have been so generous in doing guest appearances on other people's blogs, maybe they could return the favor?

The PR poster is just silly. I have to watch, though. Every year I get so mad at the judges' meanness that I swear off Project Runway FOREVER! And then the new season rolls around and there I am glued to the TV again. I do wish that the producers would focus more on the fabrics, styles, craftsmanship, and talent of the competitors and less on the pettiness and negativity.

I think what ever is easist for you right now is what I would be happy with; short posts, guest posts or open threads. Go with what happens easily.

Re your sanity, the only way I get through that sort of stress and stop myself from being paralysed by the fear of not finishing on time is not to think of the end. I work through things methodically stop by step. I focus on the process I am doing, on the now and it gets done and finished far more quickly than I expected.

When I worry about the time and how long things are taking and about my deadline I find I am not as productive. Good luck.

Guest posts, open threads, inspiration posts -- I loves them all, but what I'd really love to see are posts about the very thing that's got you so frazzled at the moment.

I'm not asking you to give spoilers about your book (well, not much), but since I imagine you're burning through virtual film like it's candy, I'd love to see some of the photos you take that aren't about subjects that are important enough to make it into the book.

For instance, if you're hemming a coat, a quick pick or two of the options you consider would be fascinating (i.e., do you work to reduce bulk or give the hem body -- both questions that relate more to the fabric you choose than to the design itself).

Obviously, I haven't seen your book proposal, so I don't know what you can divulge and what your editor would rather have you keep under wraps, but even posts on muslins-that-don't-quite-make-it would be fascinating, since personally, I tend to be all about how the process becomes the product.

In the meantime, I'm sending hopes and prayers 'cause I've seen a few deadlines in my life, and they're never pretty -- but the result of a hard-fought battle with time always seems to create something timeless. Thanks for this blog, and thanks for worrying about how to keep us all happy while you fight the good fight!

My understanding is that the couture approach often involves lining (and often inter-lining) a garment with self-fabric.

While this would likely be cost-prohibitive if it entailed lining the entire garment with the stretch silk, most wedding gowns I've seen are only particularly fitted through the bodice. Unless special support is needed there that even the stretch silk can't provide (in which case, see Gertie's excellent posts on various forms of built-in corsetry), I would strongly caution against using a fabric that has different stretch properties in a highly-fitted area than the fashion fabric itself.

Provided that the skirt has a bit more flow, it should be safe to use a traditional woven lining, but if your friend has her heart set on a goddess-style that hugs every curve, you might want to encourage her to consider other styles unless price is no object. I've never seen muslin with lycra, and even if I had, I'd want to do extensive tests before I tried to combine different fabrics for a dress she'll wear on such an auspicious day!

We seemed to have missed the last season of Project Runway in the UK. We used to have the UK version, Project Catwalk but that disappeared ages ago. Guess it must be to do with viewing numbers.By the way - I get overwhelmed on so much less stress! Your blogs are great - I would never get organised enough to write one. I think everyone who does sew-alongs, pattern reviews etc does a great service for people setting out with sewing. Also, the slant towards feminism and body image is great. One of the great things about sewing is getting that fit right.

Reminds me of the inappropriate advertising for Australia's Next Top Model. The potential 'top models' were lined up for a race like horses or greyhounds with the host holding a starting gun. Hmmmm, nice allusion to women being a bunch of animals competing like at a meat market. The voice over says 'This year 'saddle up'...'

Hi Gertie,Guest posting would be a good idea until you are finished with your huge project along side, open threads and inspirational posts.(good luck with the book by the way!)http://www.fashionsewingblog.com would be more than happy to help with the guest posting.

Fall sewing i.e. colors for the season popular styles we could start sewing to prep our fall wardrobe. Love your blog! As for your sanity - yoga, iced coffee breaks? Did watch PR interested to see what Bert is gonna do,as for the rest to soon for me to tell - lotta egos so time will tell.

@ Karen: Thanks for your input. I hadn't thought to suggest lining just the top with the stretch taffeta... to my understanding, it's an a-line dress and that solution would work brilliantly. I knew I'd get a good idea here.

@Gertie: Thank you for providing a lovely place for us to mingle and learn and teach each other. You are much appreciated. Keep up the swell work, you're the "cat's meow!"

Just watched the rerun of Project Runway. It's different from the older seasons. I like that they didn't waste the entire first episode with the city-to-city tedious cattle-calls. I found those so boring. I want to see people cutting and sewing in the workroom and that's what I got.At least they all had a dress form with their name pinned on it!

RE gussets: I am so interested in learning how to do underarm gussets. I think they look great. Thanks!

I think Heidi Klum just wants to show off her body and using the Project Runway ad was another means to do so. I love the new season though. I really liked how they showed the selection process.

As a suggestion for the blog... do you love the back cover of threads where they show off a garment "Up close"? I love it. Maybe you could find really cool dresses and reveal your take on how it was made or what special techniques were used.Guest posts are cool too but what I enjoy the most about your blog are your funny comments and musings on beautiful clothes.

All this hard work is and will continue to payoff! You are a gem and I love stopping by your blog for fun stuff and real learning too!

Gussets are a bug-a-boo for me and so I don't have any tips. This is something I've been thinking about recently as I like a fitted garment that allows a snug sleeve to move well. Could yhis be a guest post topic?

I just finished watching project runway! The project that I thought deserved to win did! (That never happens!).

I love guest posts. It's always interesting to get a fresh perspective.

Also, in reading the comments, I noticed that many people were saying "sewist," instead of "seamstress." I never noticed that before. I honestly never noticed that seamstress is not a gender-neutral title, until this very moment. Interesting...

I am just getting back into sewing garments after a long run of quilting. I found your blog and have enjoyed it. I get lots of ideas for future projects and techniques. You can do short blogs or guest blogs. This will be a way for me to catch up and read through some of your older blogs. Take a breath, relax, it will all work out.

Dear Gertie,unrelated to your questions, I just wanted to tell you that I am a big fan of your blog. And now I just discovered that you have video Tutorials on youtube, too! So nice and easy to understand! Thank you very much for all the effort you put in this. And, if you do fewer posts for a month, or more kittyposts, I´m shure your readers will not turn their back on you. Thanks!

Aw... you poor thing! Don't feel you have to keep up with the blog while you make some of the final touches to your book. Guest posts would be amazing, but I'm sure we all understand about your posting schedule! :) Best of luck with finishing up all those outfits and getting everything ready to go!

I'm digging under arm gussets too. Haven't sewn one in ages (although the ones I have sewn were on chemises I made for historic costumes... lol.), but have been eyeing the idea for a lovely 50s kimono sleeve dress with underarm gussets for a closer fit. Need to still work with this idea though (and figure out if I want to draft or use a pre-existing pattern!).

Hi Gretchen, I love our blog and part of why I love it is you doing your own thing. So for me do whatever gets you through these busy times in the best way. I look forward to your book and to seeing your increasing success. Good luck in whatever you decide.

I loved the premier, and am astonished by how talented Anya is, given her short time sewing-- a real wunderkind! I agree, the poster sucks. The show's about fashion, naked is not fashionable ;)Not that Heidi isn't lovely, but I really don't understand how the imagery fits in with the show.

Gertie, just take a deep breath, and give yourself at least 15 minutes a day to do nothing and relax. Any blog posts you feel willing to do will be awesome in my book. This is a super-tough time with all the deadlines looming, and we, your faithful fan base, will patiently await your return to bloglandia. We love ya kid. Just keep doing your thing, we'll follow along.

Hi Gertie! I just found your blog thru a "Creative Connection" email. Everyone one understands time crunches - sounds like there are a lot of good ideas here. I love underarm gussets - the first time I came across it was Folkwear's Nepali blouse; Russian peasant shirts usually have gussets. They're an easy way to make a garment with kimono sleeves have more fit.

Love your blog, keep it coming. Can't wait to read your book. You don't need a quest post, you are the star. Spend more time on your book until it is published. Please post on this blog to keep it going and when the book is out and about, blog the heck out of it.Thanks, bobbie on from the Space Coast, Cocoa Beach

I'm with you on that PR poster, although I did like the TV commercials that I saw (big scissors and sewing machine chasing someone down the street). I think I missed about half the show unfortunately. The judges are on probation with me this year. After last years choice....grrrr!

As far as your blog - guest posters would be great. If that can't be worked out, just a short post letting us know you're still OK but swamped would be appreciated.

Well, Gertie, you are my first choice for sewing blogs b/c your writing, explanation and photos are the easiest to understand and learn from... BUT if your life is crazy busy I understand and vote for a couple guest posts. :) Good luck with the book! I can't wait to get a copy when it comes out!

Anya Ayoung-Chee lied as far as I'm concerned on her application for Project Runway. It clearly asked for you to show your original designs made and created entirely by you. I feel sorry for the other designers they sent away that could have taken her place.

I don't care how good her designs are, I can't help be think this is rigged. "I've never sewn pants before and I just thought I'd challenge myself". Whatever. Did you see the darts, zipper placement and fit? All done with "common sense" on the first try. More PR.

I just joined the blogg a month ago and I really enjoy the photos and tutorials. I'll hang in there even if you do not post as much as usual.

I just appreciate that you are willing to try to keep posting _something_. I have to admit that I got really upset with another blogger when her life took her in another direction away from blogging. How could she do that to me? ;)

I've been reading your blog for a few months now, and have learned a lot from you in a short time-- but I'm going to stop reading your blog now because of the completely inappropriate--even pornographic--picture you have in today's post. I'm sorry to be leaving, but I sometimes read your blog with young children looking on and I can't afford to do that anymore. I hope you clean up your act--I'm seriously outraged.

You are the first blog I read in the morning so I vote for short blogs, guest blogs, any blog posts. :)

What about a few flash back posts? I would like to hear how some of your older garments have worn over time. Any that you found you liked when you made it and just don't fit in your weekly wardrobe? Sometimes I think we sew what we like to look at, not what we like to wear.

Even just a brief update to say "Wow, am I ever busy but still alive, here is a picture of Henry" is okay by me.

If you like project runway I'm doing a sew along this season, you'd probably love it. I don't understand the poster either.. maybe she just likes showing off what she looks like after 4 kids, if I looked that good EVER I'd walk around naked.